🇬🇭 Ghana
Rating · Rank #31
Panama 🇵🇦
Rating · Rank #41
Draw share: 25%. Model: Elo result distribution + Poisson score reference, re-calibrated after each played match. This site provides football data analysis for sports discussion only. It does not provide betting advice, gambling tips, odds, bookmaker links, or guaranteed outcomes.
Match preview
Ghana and Panama have played their Group L fixture, finishing 1–0. The pre-match model reference was 1–0, matching the model exactly.
The result re-calibrates both ratings (Ghana 1760, Panama 1636) and feeds the projections for the rest of the group, where the model now has Ghana finishing 3rd and Panama 4th.
Match context and talking points
This fixture has already finished 1-0, so the notes below work as post-match context alongside the final score. The model currently places Ghana 3rd in Group L and Panama 4th, making the result relevant to qualification pressure and margin for error in later games.
Ghana's main strengths are Athletic midfield and Direct attacking speed, while the chief concern to watch is Defensive lapses and Inconsistent tournament form. For Panama, the standout qualities are Organized defending and CONCACAF qualifying confidence, with Limited World Cup scoring record and Step up in opponent quality the area to monitor.
Stylistically, the two sides contrast. Ghana: Athletic and spirited, blending youthful energy with attacking intent. Panama: Combative and organised, competing through togetherness and set pieces.
Strength comparison
Ghana are the stronger side on our ratings, by 124 points.
Team data for this matchup
- FIFA rank
- 73rd
- Head coach
- Otto Addo
- Key player
- Mohammed Kudus
- Qualified
- CAF (Africa)
- Best World Cup
- Quarter-finals (2010)
Overview: Ghana return with a talented but sometimes uneven squad that blends athletic midfielders and a proud World Cup pedigree.
World Cup history: Ghana have appeared at the World Cup in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2022 and now 2026. Their best finish was the 2010 quarter-final.
Recent form: Ghana won CAF Group I with 25 points to qualify directly.
2026 angle: Group L is difficult, but Ghana have enough athleticism and attacking quality to target Panama and challenge Croatia or England. Their knockout chances depend on defensive discipline and finishing efficiency.
- Athletic midfield
- Direct attacking speed
- World Cup pedigree
- Defensive lapses
- Inconsistent tournament form
- FIFA rank
- 34th
- Head coach
- Thomas Christiansen
- Key player
- Adalberto Carrasquilla
- Qualified
- CONCACAF
- Best World Cup
- Group stage (2018)
Overview: Panama are a competitive CONCACAF side returning for their second World Cup with a pragmatic structure and a chance to improve on 2018.
World Cup history: Panama made their World Cup debut in 2018 and lost all three group matches. The 2026 tournament is their second appearance and first since Russia.
Recent form: Panama qualified by topping Group A in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying and also reached the Copa America 2024 quarter-finals.
2026 angle: In Group L, Panama are the underdog against England, Croatia and Ghana, but the expanded format gives them incentive to chase a first World Cup win. Their opening match against Ghana is likely their most important opportunity.
- Organized defending
- CONCACAF qualifying confidence
- Direct wide play
- Limited World Cup scoring record
- Step up in opponent quality